USA THREATENS TANZANIA

Amid controversial elections were Magufuli has won a second term for office, USA has send a terse message to Tanzania to respect the rule of law and good governance.

Through a statement, the US ambassador to Tanzania Donald Wright urged relevant authorities to come together and address the concerns raised by different parties in order to bring harmony.

Tundu Lissu had called for mass demonstrations after the fraudulent elections but US warned parties against inciting violence. They also urged the government to allow peaceful protests.

“…in order to restore trust, heal divisions and reinforce respect for the rule of law and good governance,” the statement reads in part.

It further adds, “We call on all parties to refrain from violence and inciteful rhetoric over the coming days and urge authorities to respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully protest and express themselves.”

The ambassador condemned the Tanzania government for detaining opposition leaders.

CHADEMA flagbearer Tundu Lissu has already said he will not recognize the election results. “Whatever happened yesterday was not an election, and thus we do not recognize it. We do not accept the result,” he said.

“Voting reports indicate widespread irregularities in the form of preventing our polling agents from accessing polling stations. Stuffed ballot boxes seized in Kawe, Dar. If this continues, mass democratic action will be the only option to protect the integrity of the election, ” he added.

Magufuli has already been declared the winner of the controversial elections. According to Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Chama Cha Mapinduzi candidate garnered 12,516,252 votes with Chadema’s candidate Tundu Lissu coming in second with 1,933,271.

The commission said a total of 15,091,950 voters participated in the poll out of the 29,754,696 registered voters.